Research

The Vaccine and Cervical Cancer Screen project 2 (VACCS 2): Linking cervical cancer screening to a two-dose HPV vaccination schedule in the South-West District of Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa

Leon C Snyman, Greta Dreyer, Cathy Visser, Matthys H Botha, Frederick H van der Merwe

Abstract


Background. Cervical cancer is a preventable disease with a high prevalence in South Africa (SA), where screening is opportunistic. Primary prevention is now possible through HPV vaccination. In VACCS 1 the feasibility of linking cervical cancer with HPV vaccination was demonstrated.

Objectives. To investigate the feasibility of linking HPV self-testing with a two-dose HPV vaccination schedule and to compare results with VACCS 1.

Methods. The project was conducted in five schools in the South-West District of Tshwane, Gauteng, SA. Leaflet information on cervical cancer and screening was provided, with requests for consent and assent for a two-dose HPV vaccination of schoolgirls. Female caregivers were invited to take part in HPV self-screening.

Results. Of 965 girls invited for vaccination, 519 (53.7%) had full consent and 518 (99.8%) received at least one vaccine dose. The invited uptake rate was 53.7% and 495 girls received both doses, giving a completion rate of 95.4% v. 82.6% in VACCS 1. Of 1 135 self-screen kits handed out, 560 (49.3%) were not returned. The mean age (standard deviation) of the 160 women who participated in self-screening was 38.7 (7.7) years. HPV testing was negative in 116 women (72.5%), 15 women (9.4%) tested positive for HPV 16 and/or 18, and 27 (16.9%) were positive for non-16/18 oncogenic HPV.

Conclusion. Data from the VACCS projects suggest that school-based vaccine programmes can be successfully implemented. A two-dose schedule allowed for higher completion rates. Linking self-collected HPV screening to HPV vaccination is feasible, is a promising and viable screening strategy, and reached the appropriate age group for screening.

Authors' affiliations

Leon C Snyman, Gynaecological Oncology Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Greta Dreyer, Gynaecological Oncology Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Cathy Visser, Gynaecological Oncology Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Matthys H Botha, Unit for Gynaecological Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa

Frederick H van der Merwe, Unit for Gynaecological Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa

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Keywords

Cancer prevention; Papillomavirus; Linking

Cite this article

South African Medical Journal 2015;105(3):191-194. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.8888

Article History

Date submitted: 2014-09-02
Date published: 2015-02-03

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